MLB Trade, Free-Agency Speculation: The 50 Most Talked-About Players This Offseason

Now that the World Series has reached its conclusion, and the stirring action that defined the 2011 MLB season is in the books, each team will now set out to revamp their rosters for the 2012 season.

For some teams, it could require just a few minor tweaks here and there, while for others, wholesale changes may be in order.

Whatever the case may be, the offseason will present many different challenges for each team’s general manager and scouting staff, as they try to evaluate and determine the best options in terms of available players for their teams.

Several teams will be featuring new executives in the front office (Angels, Orioles, Red Sox, Cubs, Padres), and fresh new perspectives will be the order of the day in those cities. Along with the perspectives comes renewed hope, and the new hires will be eager to put their stamps on their franchises as well.

So, just who are the players garnering the most discussion in front offices? Bleacher Report will take a look at 50 players who will be evaluated and discussed the most often around major league front offices this offseason, and players who have been frequently discussed around the web as well.

It may not necessarily mean they are going anywhere, it just means they’re garnering the most discussion.

50. Coco Crisp: Oakland Athletics

Oakland Athletics speedster Coco Crisp is one of the few viable center fielders on the open market, and playing healthy for the first time since 2007, Crisp made the most of it, leading the American League in stolen bases with 49.

However, Crisp's on-base percentage of .314 while hitting at the leadoff position was absolutely abysmal, and could very well hurt his chances for a fat multi-year deal if he can't do something to increase that number drastically.

The Marlins, Mets, Nationals and Giants, as well as the A's, are all looking for competent center-field help this offseason, so Crisp will get his chance to sign for a chunk of change, but that on-base percentage is definitely working against him.

49. Bobby Abreu: Los Angeles Angels

Now 37 years of age, Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Bobby Abreu has morphed into a singles-hitting, walk-taking hitter who has seemingly lost the ability to hit with power.

With a $9 million option that kicked in during the 2011 season, the Angels are stuck with a DH who has regressed significantly in terms of production. New general manager Jerry DiPoto could make a huge mark on his new team by somehow convincing another team to take on Abreu and his diminishing skills.

He may be forced to send some money along in the deal; however, it would be a huge service to the Angels if he could pull it off.

48. Nate McLouth: Atlanta Braves

The writing was on the wall for center fielder Nate McLouth on the day that the Atlanta Braves acquired Michael Bourn from the Houston Astros.

Bourn is the prototypical leadoff hitter who can get on base, steal a ton of bases and be a general pest at the top of the Braves lineup, something that the Braves were hoping McLouth would do when they acquired him back in 2009.

McLouth never found his groove in Atlanta, and it’s almost a certainty that his 2012 option will not be picked up by the Braves. There will be several teams who will be looking for outfield depth, so McLouth will most likely get a chance to revive his career with another team.

47. Johnny Damon: Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder/designated hitter Johnny Damon was not only productive in his first season in Tampa, he very much enjoyed his time there as well.

In comments made to the St. Petersburg Times, Damon stated he was more than willing to re-sign with Tampa.

"I don't even feel like packing anything up," he said. "I felt like this was the perfect fit…I would love to be back."

Thus far, Tampa Bay hasn’t indicated their plans, but other teams will no doubt take a serious look at Damon as well.

46. James Shields: Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher James Shields was the topic of much discussion regarding trade deadline deals this past season; however, Tampa Bay chose to make no deals at all at the deadline, and their decision turned out to be very wise indeed.

Shields has a 2012 option on his current contract for $7 million, and while it’s a near certainty that the Rays will pick up the option, it doesn’t mean that Shields will be excluded from any discussion this offseason.

With Tampa’s pitching-rich organization, they could very well entertain offers if they led to the possibility of upgrading the offense.

Shields led the majors with 11 complete games this season, along with a nifty 2.82 ERA and four shutouts.

45. Aaron Hill: Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers finagled a deal with fellow GM Alex Anthopoulos of the Toronto Blue Jays in late August, essentially trading two underperforming second basemen for one another, Aaron Hill for Kelly Johnson, with the D-Backs also receiving John McDonald in the mix.

The D-Backs have yet to make a decision on whether to pick up Hill’s 2012 option, which calls for $8 million, and Towers has stated he’s not interested in offering a long-term extension at this time.

Hill was clearly a catalyst in helping the D-Backs reach the playoffs, hitting .315 with 16 extra-base hits in 33 games with the D-Backs down the stretch; however, Towers’ own words indicate he’s struggling with the decision to keep Hill on the roster.

Hill has shown bursts of power during his career, hitting 36 homers for the Blue Jays back in 2009. Towers could very well be setting Hill up as trade bait for the offseason with his comments.

44. Ryan Doumit: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have already indicated that they will not be exercising the two option years on catcher Ryan Doumit’s contract, essentially making him a free agent. That doesn’t mean the Pirates and GM Neal Huntington won’t try to negotiate a new deal, but it’s highly unlikely.

Doumit was hurt for a significant portion of the 2011 season, and has been on the disabled list at least once every season since 2006, so obviously other teams will be concerned about durability issues.

When healthy, Doumit is one of the better hitting catchers in the majors, with a lifetime .271 average and he can hit with power, so he will be a draw on the open market for teams looking for backstop help.

However, Doumit’s injury history will likely keep the price tag down as well, which is great for interested teams, not so great for Doumit.

43. James Loney: Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers GM Ned Colletti will have a big decision on his hands concerning first baseman James Loney. Loney, who made $4.875 million in 2011, improved dramatically over the final two months of the season to post a .288/.339/.416 line; however, the numbers are still underwhelming for the first base position.

Because Loney is still arbitration eligible, he will almost certainly get a raise, and while he did produce in the final two months of the season, it may be a risk that Colletti is unwilling to take, considering he is looking to upgrade the offense in several areas.

42. Ryan Ludwick: Pittsburgh Pirates

It seems like Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ryan Ludwick has constantly been the source of trade talk or free agent talk for the past two seasons.

Ludwick has in fact been dealt twice over the last two seasons at the trade deadline, first from the St. Louis Cardinals to the San Diego Padres in 2010, then from the Padres to the Pirates this past season.

On both occasions, Ludwick performed well below expectations immediately following the trades, and really did nothing to help either team in their quest to make the playoffs.

Nonetheless, Ludwick is once again the subject, as he is now a free agent. And once again, teams will be sucked into overpaying for a player who continues to underperform. Maybe if he isn’t the subject of rumors, he can actually put together a nice season.

41. Paul Maholm: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are widely expected to decline the 2012 option on starting pitcher Paul Maholm’s contract which calls for $9.75 million, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.

Maholm’s season ended on Aug. 20 after suffering a shoulder strain, finishing with a 9-15 record and 3.66 ERA. Maholm’s won-loss record was more indicative of poor run support, and his shoulder woes don’t appear to be a factor going forward.

While it’s possible Maholm could re-sign with the Pirates, there will be quite a few teams looking for pitching help at the back of the rotation, and Maholm has shown durability, with at least 160 innings pitched each season since 2006.

40. Magglio Ordonez: Detroit Tigers

Is it possible Magglio Ordonez’ career could be finished? Ordonez re-fractured his right ankle, originally fracturing it in the 2010 season.

In Ordonez’ particular case, the fracture is vertical in nature, which is much more problematic than a horizontal fracture, and the fact that it recurred in the same area could spell doom for the Tigers’ slugging right fielder.

Ordonez is also a free agent, so his chances at signing one more large contract with any team are slim at this point. The original fracture gave Ordonez much grief, and he actually considered retirement earlier in the year, so it stands to reason that his latest setback could very well trigger the same thoughts.

39. Hiroki Kuroda: Los Angeles Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda was widely rumored to be headed out of LA at the trade deadline this past season; however, he rejected any and all offers, refusing to waive his no-trade clause and preferring to stay with the dysfunctional Dodgers franchise.

However, now Kuroda is a free agent after four productive seasons. While his won-loss record may not indicate success, Kuroda’s 3.45 ERA and 1.187 WHIP clearly show that he was the victim of poor run support during his time in Los Angeles.

The New York Yankees have been reported to have interest in Kuroda; however, given the fact that Kuroda clearly did not want to leave the LA area, he may very well re-sign with the Dodgers.

38. Alfonso Soriano: Chicago Cubs

New Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has a tall task on his hands, and it’s not just bringing a World Series championship to the supposedly cursed franchise.

One of the tasks that Epstein will attempt to undertake is finding a willing partner that will consider taking on outfielder Alfonso Soriano. Soriano has three years and $54 million left on his contract, so Theo will likely have to eat a large chunk of that in order to pull off the deal.

However, American League teams may have interest in Soriano as a designated hitter if the price is right. Soriano hit 26 HR with 88 RBI in 2011, so the production is there, albeit not at the level of the mid-2000s.

37. Jorge Posada: New York Yankees

After 17 seasons in a New York Yankees uniform, designated hitter Jorge Posada is looking at the possibility of playing with another team for the first time in his career. It’s almost a certainty that Posada will not return to the Bronx, and the question now is whether Posada will retire or keep on playing.

Posada did go through the motions of filing for free agency, however the sentiment remains that he will likely retire if he does not return to the Yankees. At 40 years of age, with five World Series championships and a boatload of memories, Posada really has nothing left to prove to anyone.

36. Rafael Soriano: New York Yankees

Despite all of the talk surrounding New York Yankees reliever Rafael Soriano and his unusual opt-out clause, the Yankees pitcher announced last week that he would not exercise the option, preferring to continue his career in the Bronx.

All of the discussion honestly begged the question of why Soriano would have considered it in the first place. A three-year, $35 million contract is the most money ever paid to a non-closer in the bullpen, so this decision pretty much seemed like a no-brainer.

"He adjusted to the [seventh- and eighth-inning] role, liked being there with Mariano [Rivera] and he adjusted to New York City," Soriano’s agent, Scott Boras, told the New York Post.

Yeah, it wasn’t about money. Please.

35. Derrek Lee: Pittsburgh Pirates

When first baseman Derrek Lee was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates by the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline, Lee was clearly experiencing a down year, hitting just .246 with 12 HR for the O’s in 85 games.

After a brief stint on the disabled list, Lee turned around his season with the Pirates, hitting a full 91 points higher with seven HR and 18 RBI in just 28 games.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington has indicated he would like to bring Lee back; however, it may just be a one-year contract, one that Lee may not be amenable to signing.

Lee would have value to teams, especially in the AL as both a first baseman and potential designated hitter. However at 36 years of age, Lee won’t be expected to deliver the offensive punch he was known for earlier in his career.

34. Ivan Rodriguez: Washington Nationals

With the emergence of Wilson Ramos as the full-time catcher in Washington, it’s likely that Ivan Rodriguez will be looking for a new place to play in the 2012 season.

Rodriguez officially filed for free agency on Sunday, and has indicated in the past that he would like to play for at least one or two more seasons. The San Francisco Giants have been rumored to have interest, as insurance for returning catcher Buster Posey.

Other teams will no doubt have interest as well. Rodriguez already has his ticket punched for the Hall of Fame, so the 2012 season could likely be his swan song.

33. Brad Lidge: Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Brad Lidge opened the 2011 season on the disabled list, the third time in the last four seasons he has failed to open the season on the active roster.

Lidge returned and put up nice numbers in a non-closing role in late July, posting a 1.40 ERA and striking out 23 in 19.1 innings.

The Phillies have already declined to pick up Lidge’s 2012 option for $12.5 million, and it’s highly unlikely that Lidge will make anything close to that heading into free agency.

Still, with a nice close to the season, Lidge could provide valuable bullpen help for several teams needing a veteran presence and a lively arm.

32. Alex Gonzalez: Atlanta Braves

One would think that when you see a major league player who has a .247 career batting average and .291 on-base percentage, he might not have a whole lot of value. However, in the case of sure-handed shortstop Alex Gonzalez, he always seems to find work, and the 2012 season may be no different.

After spending the first eight years of his career with the Florida Marlins, Gonzalez may now be looking for his fifth team in the last six seasons.

With the Braves last season, Gonzalez hit .241 with 15 HR and 56 RBI; however, his defense was still brilliant, and that will land Gonzalez a job somewhere.

31. Wandy Rodriguez: Houston Astros

With Houston Astros ownership yet to be decided, starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez is still a member of the team, but many expect that will soon change once Jim Crane has been approved as the new owner by MLB.

Many believe that the Colorado Rockies are still hell-bent on acquiring Rodriguez. The Rockies claimed Rodriguez off waivers in late August, and were perfectly willing to take on the $36 million left remaining on Rodriguez’ contract. However, trade talks with the Astros fell through.

Still, the Rockies will no doubt explore their options with the Astros once again, and Rodriguez could be in the Rockies’ starting rotation in 2012.

30. Mark Teixeira: New York Yankees

It might be hard to believe that New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira has been discussed in trade talks, and he almost undoubtedly has not been brought up within the Yankees organization. However, the worldwide web is sure discussing it to a large degree.

Immediately following the Yankees’ five-game loss to the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS, one in which Teixeira only hit .167 (3-for-18), exasperated fans were calling for GM Brian Cashman to explore a trade for Teixeira in order to sign soon-to-be free agent Albert Pujols.

With an eight-year, $180 million contract, Teixeira is going absolutely nowhere. Unless there is a team out there willing to take on the entire balance of the Teixeira contract, he will be staying in the Bronx for a while.

Of course, there will probably be fans out there who would say, “Well, just move Tex to DH, we can still sign Albert!”

29. Grady Sizemore: Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians have two decisions to make concerning 2012 options on their players, Grady Sizemore and Fausto Carmona. MLB.com reporter Jordan Bastian reported on Saturday that it’s likely that Sizemore’s option will be declined, and Carmona’s will be picked up.

Sizemore has undergone five surgeries in the last three years, the most recent coming on Oct. 3 to his right knee, although he reportedly will be ready for spring training.

It is believed that the San Francisco Giants could have interest in Sizemore, and rumors have recently surfaced about the possibility of the Houston Astros having interest as well.

28. Andre Ethier: Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite Los Angeles Dodgers GM Ned Colletti saying all the right things and slathering right fielder Andre Ethier with numerous platitudes, rumors are still rampant about Ethier being a trade chip for the cash-strapped Dodgers.

While Colletti has been given assurances from owner Frank McCourt that money will be made available to sign free agents, there are no guarantees that the money will actually be there, and that may not be determined until bankruptcy hearings are completed.

Ethier is coming off a year where his offensive output tumbled, and his season was shortened by a knee injury, so while Colletti may be saying all the right things concerning his right fielder, the reality is that he will listen to reasonable offers for Ethier’s services.

27. Barry Zito: San Francisco Giants

Is there really any scenario that sees San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Barry Zito returning to the team next season? Yes, he’s owed $46 million, which includes a $7 million buyout on his 2014 option year, however I don’t honestly see how GM Brian Sabean brings Zito back under any circumstances.

In what is arguably the worst contract ever given to a player in major league history, the Giants are clearly stuck between a rock and a hard place, and Sabean and the Giants may very well eat the final years of Zito’s monstrous deal.

26. Josh Willingham: Oakland Athletics

Outfielder Josh Willingham put up career numbers in home runs (29) and runs batted in (98) for the Oakland Athletics in 2011, and considering their relative dearth in offense, it’s likely that the A’s will try to re-sign Willingham, who made $6 million this season.

With few options out there that will be affordable for Billy Beane and the A’s, Willingham remains the best choice for offensive production at this point.

25. Derek Lowe: Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves for many years have produced a number of great pitchers from their organization, and there are a few who will be competing for space on the Braves’ roster for 2012.

Brandon Beachy, Mike Minor, Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado will all be competing for rotation spots for the Braves, who already boast Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson.

Starter Derek Lowe will be in the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract, and coming off his worst year in a Braves uniform, posting a 9-17 record and 5.05 ERA.

GM Frank Wren will no doubt explore trade options for Lowe, and will likely find willing takers if Wren agrees to send some money along to offset Lowe’s lofty contract.

24. Jesus Montero: New York Yankees

It’s hard to remember the last time a top five prospect generated as much trade talk as New York Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero, but the web continues to pump out various rumors concerning Montero’s future home in MLB.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post recently opined about the possibility of the Yankees using Montero as a chip to acquire starting pitching, while John Harper of the New York Daily News wondered along the same lines.

Montero has always been cherished for his hitting, but his defensive prowess leaves scouts wanting. However, the same was said about a young Jorge Posada some 17 years ago.

23. Joe Nathan: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins just recently declined the option year for closer Joe Nathan, worth $12.5 million for the 2012 season.

Nathan, who missed the entire 2010 season with Tommy John surgery, returned this past season with mixed results, losing his closer’s role to Matt Capps earlier in the season before gaining it back later in the year. Nathan finished the season with a 4.84 ERA and 14 saves.

Nathan is still open to returning to the Twins at a drastically reduced contract; however, he recently indicated he would be interested if the New York Mets came calling.

22. Melky Cabrera: Kansas City Royals

Life in a small market clearly agreed with outfielder Melky Cabrera in 2011. Cabrera put up terrific numbers across the board, with 201 hits, 44 doubles, 18 HR, 87 RBI, a .305 batting average and a .809 OPS. All for just the low, low price of $1.25 million.

Cabrera will no doubt get a nice raise as a fourth-year arbitration-eligible player; however, Royals GM Dayton Moore indicated that the Royals were not currently inclined to offer Cabrera a multi-year contract.

Is it possible Moore will offer up Cabrera in return for a package of prospects? Considering the kind of year Cabrera had, it seems odd that the Royals wouldn’t at least attempt to work a deal for Cabrera before he hits free agency after next season.

21. Edwin Jackson: St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently basking in the glow of their 2011 World Series championship, but once that glow wears off, they will have some roster decisions to make, including the decision of whether to retain starting pitcher Edwin Jackson.

Jackson has given a performance over his career that can only be described as Jekyll and Hyde-like. While Jackson put up nice numbers in 2011, with a 12-9 record and 3.79 (5-2, 3.58 with Cardinals), he is 60-60 with a 4.46 ERA during his career, and can be wilder than Florida sawgrass at times.

Cardinals GM John Mozeliak will no doubt consider bringing Jackson, and other teams will have interest as well, but just which Edwin Jackson will they be paying for?

20. Ryan Madson: Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies closer Ryan Madson has spent his entire career in Philly, becoming the team’s full-time closer in 2011 and registering 32 saves.

However, Madson has been on the disabled list multiple times during his career, and the Phillies have indicated they are looking outside the organization for a closer for 2012.

With a number of high-caliber closers on the market already, Madson may have difficulty in landing a plum closer’s job with another team.

However, as a setup man, Madson may have great value for teams like the Boston Red Sox, who may be losing Jonathan Papelbon to free agency as well.

19. Roy Oswalt: Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have already announced that they are not picking up the option year on pitcher Roy Oswalt, saving $16 million in the process.

Oswalt was 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 23 starts for the Phillies, enduring a debilitating back injury in the middle of the season.

The Phillies’ action doesn’t preclude them from attempting to resign Oswalt, however there should be plenty of interest in Oswalt from other teams as well, including the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, who are now looking to replace John Lackey in their rotation for 2012.

18. Mark Buehrle: Chicago White Sox

After 12 seasons and 161 wins with the Chicago White Sox, pitcher Mark Buehrle could be wearing new colors for the 2012 season and beyond.

The White Sox could very well attempt to re-sign Buerhle; however, they will have stiff competition. The Sox have reportedly offered Buehrle a two-year deal, but that may not be enough of a commitment to keep the left-hander, who will also likely get interest from the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals as well as the New York Yankees.

17. Carlos Zambrano: Chicago Cubs

When Carlos Zambrano walked out on his team after an ejection from a game against the Atlanta Braves in August, it may have been the last straw for the Chicago Cubs, who have long grown weary of Zambrano’s childish outbursts and boorish behavior.

New president of baseball operations Theo Epstein would be doing his team a great service by unloading Zambrano, although he may not find a gaggle of willing participants as trade partners, despite rumors to the contrary.

16. Michael Cuddyer: Minnesota Twins

In a season that quickly became lost for the Minnesota Twins, the one constant throughout the season was all-around man Michael Cuddyer.

While others, including Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Jason Kubel, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Alexi Casilla and Denard Span all missed significant amounts of time to injury, Cuddyer continued to supply consistent and solid offense throughout the year.

The Twins have a number of contractual decisions to make, not the least of which is Cuddyer, who has spent his entire career with Minnesota.

However, his asking price may prove to be too high for the conservative Twins, and several teams, including the Boston Red Sox, will be at the Cuddyer’s door, hoping to bid for his services.

15. B.J. Upton: Tampa Bay Rays

Center fielder B.J. Upton was the subject of rumors right up until the trade deadline this past season, with most of the rumors dealing with a potential trade to the Washington Nationals.

Upton himself commented on those talks in September, when during an interview with Craig Heist of radio station WTOP, Upton said he would love to be reunited with friend Ryan Zimmerman in Washington.

Upton is entering his final year of arbitration, and he is projected to make approximately $7 million in 2012.

14. Francisco Rodriguez: Milwaukee Brewers

After the trade deadline deal that brought reliever Francisco Rodriguez to the Milwaukee Brewers from the New York Mets, K-Rod was his usual dominating self, albeit in a different role, with a 1.86 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 29 innings working as the setup man for John Axford.

Rodriguez clearly won’t be back with the Brewers next season, especially after making comments dissing manager Ron Roenicke and claiming he was promised closing opportunities after joining the Brewers.

Rodriguez will likely find employment elsewhere in 2012, but with other closers out there on the free agent, K-Rod will not be the first, or the best, option available.

13. Jason Kubel: Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Twins outfielder/designated hitter Jason Kubel finds himself in a similar spot as teammate Michael Cuddyer—a player who has never played for another organization and yet finds himself probably looking for a new employer.

In an interview last month with Minneapolis Star-Tribune reporter Lavelle E. Neal III, Twins owner Jim Pohlad would not commit to re-signing either Kubel or Cuddyer.

Kubel will be in high demand on the free-agent market, with the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers being recently mentioned as suitors.

12. C.J. Wilson: Texas Rangers

Aside from CC Sabathia, the Texas Rangers' CJ Wilson is the most talked about left-handed pitcher on the market this offseason. Wilson’s poor performance in the postseason (0-3, 5.78 ERA) likely won’t hurt him at all.

It’s believed that the Rangers will do everything they can to retain him, and Wilson recently spoke with Jeff Caplan of ESPN Dallas about the possibility of returning to Texas.

“They’ve treated me with a lot of respect the last two years as a starting pitcher and they’ve given me a chance to improve, given me a chance to solidify my role on the team as well as around the league as a premium starter,” Wilson said. “I feel like a lot of my success is because of the team that I’ve been playing on.”

Certainly sounds like Wilson will give Texas every opportunity to do just that, but if a deal can’t get done, expect the large-market Yankees to be right there, ready and willing.

11. Jonathan Papelbon: Boston Red Sox

Before the month of September came along, it almost seemed like a certainty that Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon would definitely not be returning to the team that he has spent his entire career with.

However, after the epic September collapse and the terrible month of pitching for setup man and potential future closer Daniel Bard, the Red Sox may be rethinking their plans.

Right now, just about everything is in flux with the Red Sox, as new general manager Ben Cherington takes his time to hire a new manager and completely evaluate his team.

Papelbon won’t come cheap—he made $12 million in 2011—however, the total meltdown by Bard in September may cause Cherington to re-think his options.

10. David Wright: New York Mets

As New York Mets ownership continues to struggle with financial issues and lawsuits tied to the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme, and the potential loss of $380 million in liability connected to the scandal, many questions remain about the makeup of the Mets roster for the 2012 season.

At the top of the pecking order in terms of players will be the decision on signing Jose Reyes; however, third baseman David Wright continues to be discussed in numerous trade rumors.

The most recent of rumors has both the Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies as being the suitors most likely to go after Wright hard during the offseason.

9. Heath Bell: San Diego Padres

For the past three seasons, San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell has been one of the most consistent closers in the majors, posting 132 saves during that time. Now approaching free agency, Bell will clearly be one of the most sought-after prizes in the free agent market.

However, Bell has stated on several occasions his desire to stay in San Diego, and he has indicated he will accept a hometown discount as well. The Padres have apparently offered a two-year deal with an option for a third year; however, Bell is clear in wanting a three-year deal.

Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune recently reported that the Padres’ offer is somewhere in the two-year, $15 million-$16 million range, however without that guaranteed third year, Bell could likely enter the open market.

8. Jimmy Rollins: Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have already made decisions regarding Brad Lidge and Roy Oswalt, and they’ll have a much bigger decision to make regarding the contract status of longtime shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

Rollins has said that he wants a five-year deal and is not looking to give Philly a hometown discount; however, that stance may soften if Rollins tests the open market and sees what his overall value may be.

Rollins already knows that the five-year option might be a sticking point, so look for him to back off that demand.

7. Aramis Ramirez: Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs slugger Aramis Ramirez represents the biggest catch in this offseason’s free agency market for third basemen. Coming off another productive year in which he hit .306 with 26 HR and 93 RBI, Ramirez should fetch a nice price on the open market.

The Los Angeles Angels are one team looking for an upgrade at the hot corner, and the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies will likely have interest as well. At 33 years of age, Ramirez will likely command at least a three-year deal, but teams may hedge at anything longer.

6. Carlos Beltran: San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Giants GM Brian Sabean has indicated that he will make an effort to sign right fielder Carlos Beltran; however, if the Giants are unable to sign Beltran on the dotted line, expect plenty of suitors to follow.

The Boston Red Sox will be looking to replace J.D. Drew, and while they have prospects Josh Reddick and Ryan Kalish waiting in the wings, GM Ben Cherington may still be willing to offer Beltran a deal.

Sports Ilustrated writer Jon Heyman expects the Red Sox to go hard after Beltran, especially considering he won’t cost the Sox a draft pick.

5. Joey Votto: Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds GM Walt Jocketty did just about all he could to debunk the pervasive rumors about the Reds trying to deal their MVP first baseman Joey Votto.

Jocketty told Steve Gardner of USA Today that no way was Votto on the trade block.

“I'm not interested in that. To have a player who's one of the best hitters in the game, and we try to build our offense around him, I'd be more inclined to sign him long-term if we could beyond the 2013 season,” Jocketty said.

However, that has not slowed the talk on the web regarding Votto and potential trade suitors.

The Reds have insisted that they won’t trade Votto for financial reasons, but Larry Stone of the Seattle Times wonders aloud about the Mariners, who would no doubt have great interest.

4. Jose Reyes: New York Mets

Like his teammate David Wright earlier on this list, New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes will be a highly sought-after commodity this offseason, despite an injury history that has dogged him in recent years.

Reyes, who won the National League batting title in 2011, spent two stints on the disabled list after the month of June, both times with hamstring issues. However, it hasn’t stopped teams from being interested for sure.

The Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves are just some of the teams who have been mentioned in recent weeks, while the New York Mets will no doubt still be in the running as well.

3. CC Sabathia: New York Yankees

It seems almost unfathomable to believe that a player would walk away from a contract that would pay him $92 million over four years, but that is exactly what New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is expected to do.

Recent reports suggest that Sabathia may be looking for another five years at an average of $25 million, and the Yankees have reportedly made an offer to Sabathia; however, the amount was not disclosed.

The Yankees have exclusivity for five days following the end of the World Series to negotiate a new deal, so after that time expires, the stakes could get much higher.

2. Prince Fielder: Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is no doubt discussing his future with the Milwaukee Brewers right now, considering the Brewers only have a couple of days left before losing exclusivity rights to negotiate a new deal.

After the Brewers time has expired, Fielder could very well wait for fellow first baseman Albert Pujols to set the bar with his new deal, whether it be with the Cardinals or somewhere else.

In any event, Fielder will receive a boatload of cash—it’s just currently undetermined how big that boat will need to be to carry the Fielder booty.

1. Albert Pujols: St. Louis Cardinals

After the partying has finished in St. Louis on Sunday, the Cardinals will set about the task of retaining their star first baseman and franchise player, Albert Pujols.

Pujols, who hit a combined .353 in the postseason with five HR and 16 RBI, will likely set a new record with his contract, possibly surpassing the deal signed by Alex Rodriguez with the New York Yankees.

Whether that deal is with the Cardinals is currently up in the air; however, at this point it seems almost incredible that Pujols would be signed by anyone other than the Redbirds at this point.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.